Everything you need to know before nominating someone (or yourself) for the 2026 Humanitarians of Africa Awards.
Since opening nominations for the third edition, the Humanitarians of Africa Awards team has received a steady stream of questions from nominators, nominees, and partners across the continent. We’ve compiled the most common ones here, and we’ll keep adding to this list as more come in.
About the Awards
What are the Humanitarians of Africa Awards? The Humanitarians of Africa Awards is an annual recognition program under the Humanitarians of Africa Initiative, run by Hexa Media Africa. It celebrates non-profit leaders, social entrepreneurs, community organisations, volunteers, and other changemakers advancing humanitarian action, social innovation, community development, and sustainable development across Africa.
Is this the first year of the awards? No — 2026 marks the third edition. Across the first two editions, the awards attracted more than 1,500 nominees from 25 African countries, recognised 24 award recipients, and shared more than 50 stories of humanitarian and social impact across the continent.
See previous editions below
Is the awards programme connected to SIMS? Yes. The Humanitarians of Africa Awards run alongside the Social Impact Marketing Summit (SIMS), Hexa Media Africa’s annual gathering for non-profit leaders and changemakers. SIMS 2026 takes place this November under the theme “AI for African Non-profits.”
Nominations
Is self-nomination allowed? Yes, individuals/organisations can nominate themselves, and nominations can come from a third party (colleague, beneficiary, partner organisation, member of the public, etc.).
Who can be nominated? Non-profit leaders, social entrepreneurs, community organisations, volunteers, innovators, and other changemakers whose work is creating measurable social impact across Africa for at least 2 years.
Is there a nomination fee? No, nominations are FREE
What is the deadline for nominations? 2026 Edition closes August 31st
What information do I need to submit a nomination? Nominee details, description of their impact, supporting evidence/documents, referee contact, etc.
Can I nominate more than one person or organisation? Yes
Will I be notified once I submit a nomination? Yes, confirmation is sent via email, where you will be updated with the process
Judging and Selection
Is there a voting process? No, winners are chosen by an independent judging panel. Check out the Judges here: https://summit.hexamedia.africa/unveiling-humanitarians-africa-awards-judges-2026/
Who decides the winners? The winners are decided by the panel of judges and the Hexa Media team
What criteria are used to evaluate nominees? [CONFIRM: e.g. scale of impact, innovation, sustainability, community reach, evidence of results.]
Will nominees be informed if they’re shortlisted? Yes, via email; however, any nominee who doesn’t respond to our communication after 2 attempts will be replaced.
The Award Ceremony
Where does the award ceremony take place? At what time? The award ceremony for the 2026 edition is 100% virtual, and it will take place on November 19th and 20th at the Social Impact Marketing Summit
Is the ceremony open to the public or by invitation only? Yes, all participants can invite friends and well-wishers; however, they have to register to attend. Register for free here: https://luma.com/no05878d
Is there a fee to attend the ceremony? Yes, it is free to attend, but registration is compulsory. Register here: https://luma.com/no05878d
Will the ceremony be livestreamed? Yes, on YouTube. The link will be sent to registered participants only
What do winners receive? Winners and nominees receive in-kind gifts and support from our partners and Hexa Media worth at least $5k USD. This includes: trophy/certificate, media exposure, feature on the Humanitarian of Africa series by Hexa Media, mentorship, AI tool access, Free service consulting, etc.
Quick Info About Summit
Event: Social Impact Marketing Summit (SIMS) 2026
Theme: AI for African Non-profits; powering a new age of social impact
Date: November 19th – 20th 2026
Location: Africa | Virtual
Organiser: Hexa Media Africa, Africa’s AI-powered communications agency built specifically for nonprofits, social enterprises, and female-led organisations across the continent. We combine AI-driven strategy, digital media, impact storytelling, and fundraising communications to make your work visible to the people who can fund, partner with, and amplify it.
Still Have Questions?
If your question isn’t answered here, reach out to the Hexa Media Africa team directly at programs@hexamedia.africa or visit www.summit.hexamedia.africa.
This FAQ will be updated as new questions come in — check back for the latest.
